Display Device for Gaming Machines

ABSTRACT

A gaming machine reel is provided with a display device comprising a flexible strip of electronically programmable display material secured around the periphery of the reel. Symbols may be selectively displayed on the material by appropriate programming thereof, for example by providing a plurality of addressable pixels on the material each of which may be driven to have a suitable translucence and to display a required color. A rechargeable power source is provided on the reel. The programming of the strip may be effected by a wireless link using either RF or infra-red. As a result, it is easy to allow the playing of a different game on the machine by re-programming the strip for the display of different symbols.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to and claims priority from UK PatentApplication No. 0704895.2, filed Mar. 14, 2007, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a display device suitable for use inconjunction with a reel of a gaming machine, which is sometimes referredto as a fruit machine or an amusement machine. The invention furtherrelates to the combination of such a display device and a gaming machinereel, and to a method of displaying symbols on such a reel.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many gaming machines include a plurality of juxtaposed reel mechanismseach comprising a rotatably mounted reel having a cylindrical peripheralsurface with symbols marked thereon, such as pieces of fruit or otherindicia. The mechanism includes a motor arranged to rotate the reelrapidly, as well as a light source to direct light radially outwardlythrough the peripheral surface of the reel in the region of a windowprovided on the front panel of the gaming machine, and a furtherarrangement to detect the position of the reel. In operation, the reelsare caused to spin about a common axis by pulling a handle or pressing abutton. When the reels come to rest, the positions of the symbols on thereels in relation to one or more pre-determined lines determine whetheror not a player has won a prize.

The reel generally is in the form of a frame around the periphery ofwhich a flexible reel strip is mounted, the reel strip carrying therequired symbols. Typically, the reel strip is formed of a translucentplastics material on which the required symbols are printed or otherwiseprovided thereon, so that the symbols may be illuminated by the lightsource and viewed through one or more windows in the front panel of thegaming machine.

The basic construction of the reel mechanisms incorporated within agaming machine is well known in the art and will not be described infurther detail here.

A problem associated with a conventional reel mechanism is that the reelstrip is pre-printed and installed in the garnling machine at the timeof manufacture; the reel strip is thus intended for a particular gameloaded into the machine. If the machine is subsequently to be used for adifferent game, the reel mechanisms must be removed from the gamingmachine so that the reel strips may be removed from all of the reelmechanisms and then replaced by fresh strips carrying different symbols,suitable for use with a different game. This requires attendance by amaintenance engineer and consequently once a gaming machine has beeninstalled at a particular site, it is in general quite expensivesubsequently to upgrade the machine for playing a different game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention aims at overcoming the above-described problem associatedwith conventional reel mechanisms. Accordingly, one aspect of thisinvention provides a display device suitable for use in conjunction witha reel mechanism of a gaming machine, which device comprises a flexiblestrip of electronically programmable display material, means to mountsaid strip around the periphery of a reel, and communication meansadapted to provide drive signals to a strip supported on a reel, wherebyselected symbols may be displayed at chosen positions on a reelsupporting said flexible strip.

It will be appreciated that with the display device of this invention,the symbols displayed around the periphery of the reel of a reelmechanism will depend upon the programming associated with the strip.For example, a computer may run a program which specifies theconfiguration of each symbol and the location of each symbol along thelength of the strip, the computer then generating the required drivesignals for the strip and which are transferred thereto by thecommunication means, so that the required symbols are displayed aroundthe periphery of the reel. If different symbols are required, or thesymbols are to appear in different relative positions, either to modifya game being played or for the playing of a different game, it is merelya matter of changing the programming associated with the strip. It thusbecomes practical for the loading of a new game into a gaming machine,merely by changing the program of a processing unit incorporated withinthe gaming machine. According to another but closely related aspect ofthis invention, there is provided a method of displaying pre-selectedsymbols at chosen locations on the reel of a gaming machine comprisingfurnishing a flexible strip of electronically programmable displaymaterial around the periphery of the reel, providing a control circuiton the reel for supplying drive signals to the flexible strip, providinga power source on the reel for powering the control circuit and flexiblestrip and programming into the control circuit a control program whichdrives the flexible strip to display the selected symbols at the chosenlocations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side view on the reel mechanism and illustrating theimportant components thereof; and

FIG. 2 is an edge view on the reel mechanism of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Most preferably, the flexible strip comprises a strip of flexible LCD(liquid crystal display) material, advantageously defining a largenumber of individual pixels each of which may separately be addressed inorder to allow the display of a chosen color. In this way, appropriatedrive signals applied to the flexible strip will allow the display of aplurality of separate symbols spaced along the length of the strip.Further, the background surrounding each of the symbols may also becaused to display one or more colors, so that the syrribols may standout from that background.

In order to reduce the total number of pixels on the strip of flexibleLCD material, it would be possible to divide the strip into a number ofdiscrete areas each of which may have a plurality of separatelyaddressable pixels whereby a chosen symbol may be displayed in each ofthose areas, with the parts of the strip external to those discreteareas being pre-colored or perhaps having relatively few pixels each ofa relatively large size, so as thereby to reduce the addressingrequirements of the strip of LCD material.

Other materials besides true LCD materials may be employed, so long asthose other materials have the same or equivalent functionality.

There are several different ways in which this invention may beimplemented. The flexible strip requires an electrical power source inorder to allow adjustment of the states of the pixels of the strip, andalso drive signals which address each pixel of the strip. This could beachieved by way of a rotary connector allowing the transfer of power anddrive signals, with one part of the connector mounted on a static partof the gaming machine and the other part of the connector centrally onthe reel. The connector would require at least two separate conductors,by superimposing a multiplexed drive signal on a DC power signal.However, a reliable rotary connector could be difficult to implement andso it is preferred for the communication means to take alternativeforms.

In one embodiment, a rechargeable power source is incorporated withinthe hub of a reel, in a balanced manner—for example, by providing two,three or more cells in a symmetrical arrangement about the axis ofrotation of the reel. These rechargeable power sources may be charged byan induction charger which could either operate continuously, or whenthe reel is not rotating. In the latter case, a signal indicative ofreel rotation may be used to switch off and on an induction charger,whereby charging will take place whenever the reel is stationary.Another possibility would be to incorporate a coil in the reel and toprovide a magnetic field externally of the reel which field is cut bythe coil on rotation of the reel, whereby current is produced by thecoil which may be used to drive the display device. Again, arechargeable power source should be included in the reel, in order toallow for power to be supplied when the reel is not rotating.

The communication means may include a radio frequency wireless link oran infra red link, between a transmitter provided within the gamingmachine and a receiver mounted on the reel. In this way, signals may betransferred to the reel either solely when the reel is stationary orcontinuously, as required.

The reel itself may include a memory device whereby signals transferredto the reel by the communication means may be stored in that memorydevice. In this way, a particular reel strip configuration may bepre-loaded into the memory device by the communication means when a gameis loaded into the gaming machine, the reel strip thereafter displayingthe symbols and relative dispositions pre-loaded into the memory device.In this case, a rotary connector may be provided for the supply of powerto a battery on the reel, or an induction charging arrangement may beprovided as described above.

Referring now to the drawings, these illustrate a specific preferredembodiment of reel mechanism of this invention.

In the drawings, there is shown a reel mechanism 10 comprising a base 11having a foot 12 from which upstands a support 13. An electric motor 14is mounted in a recess 15 provided at the upper end of the support 13, areel 16 being clamped to the motor shaft such that the reel is rotatedon drive current being supplied to the motor 14. The reel comprises ahub 17 from which three arms 18 extend radially, disposed at 120° toeach other. The arms carry a lattice-like peripheral structure 19 aroundwhich a reel strip 20 is secured. The ends of the reel strip are adaptedfor clamping to a cross-member of the peripheral structure 19 in such away that the strip may be tensioned around the periphery of thatstructure. The ends of the strip may be reinforced to allow for this.

A lamp housing 22 is mounted on the support 13 and in this embodimenthas three lamps provided adjacent the structure 19, to direct lightradially outwardly through the reel strip 20. A slot switch 23 iscarried on the lamp housing 22 and co-operates with a blade 24 providedon one arm 18, in order to provide a reference position for the reel.

The construction of reel mechanism as described above is essentiallyconventional and will not be described in further detail here.

In this embodiment of the invention, the reel strip 20 is formed of aflexible plastics LCD material defining a large number of pixels each ofwhich may individually be addressed in order to be of a chosen color andtranslucence. In this way, individual symbols such as are shown at 25may be programmed to appear in a required location and with appropriatecoloring, along the length of the reel strip and thus around theperiphery of the reel. As with a conventional reel strip, the ends ofthe strip of flexible plastics LCD material may be reinforced in orderto allow clamping of the ends of the strip to a cross-member of theperipheral structure 19 of the reel.

Incorporated within the hub 17 of the reel 16 is a rechargeable batterycomprising three cells 26 disposed in a symmetrical manner about theaxis of the reel so as not to affect the balance of the reel. Part wayalong the length of each arm 18 is an elongate wire coil 27 whichinteracts with a static magnetic field provided by an electromagnet 21supported on the base 11. A charging circuit is disposed within the hub17 and is connected to the coils, such that charging current for thecells 26 is provided whenever the reel rotates.

Also provided within the hub is a control circuit 28 including a memorydevice and an infra red receiver, co-operable with an infra redtransmitter 29 supported on the base 11. The transmitter 29 is connectedto a processing unit (not shown) provided as a part of the gamingmachine within which the reel mechanism is incorporated, whereby thetransmitter is supplied with signals for transmission to the controlcircuit of the reel. Those signals include information concerning theparticular symbols to be displayed on the reel, the relative positionsof those symbols and the configuration in terms of the color andtranslucence of those symbols.

In use, the reel mechanism is mounted within a gaming machine such thatthe lamp housing 22 is opposed to a window in a front panel of thegaming machine, so that the symbols for the time being lying between thelamp housing and the window may be viewed by a player. The symbols arepre-programmed into the reel memory and will remain constant for theduration of the game. However, it would be possible to allow dynamicre-configuration of the reel strip whereby the symbols displayed arechanged in the course of the game.

It would also be possible to pre-program into the reel memory aplurality of different combinations of symbols or different symbols suchthat a chosen set of symbols may be displayed. In this way, followingprogramming of the memory, a chosen set may be displayed by a relativelysimple signal sent to the reel memory. If a new game not pre-programmedinto the memory is to be played, then a more complex signal may be sentto the control circuit, defining the symbols and relative dispositionsof those for this game.

While the invention has been specifically described in connection withcertain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that thisis by way of illustration and not of limitation, and the scope of theappended claims should be construed as broadly as the prior art willpermit. For example, while the figures describe a device with aninfra-red link, it is understood that other communication arrangementsmay be employed such as an RF link or a rotary connector.

1. A display device for a reel mechanism of a gaming machine, said reelmechanism comprising a reel defining a periphery, a frame rotatablymounting the reel and a motor arranged to rotate the reel, said displaydevice comprising: a flexible strip of electronically programmabledisplay material adapted for the selective display of symbols; amounting arrangement for supporting said strip around the periphery ofthe reel of a reel mechanism; and communication means adapted to providedrive signals to said strip when supported around the periphery of areel, whereby selected symbols are displayed at chosen positions on thereel supporting said flexible strip around the periphery thereof.
 2. Adisplay device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible stripcomprises a strip of flexible liquid crystal display (LCD) materialadapted for the display of symbols.
 3. A display device as claimed inclaim 2, wherein the flexible strip of LCD material defines a largenumber of individual pixels each of which is separately addressablewhereby a chosen symbol is displayed at a selected location by drivingthe appropriate pixels to display a chosen color with a chosentranslucence.
 4. A display device as claimed in claim 3, wherein theflexible strip of LCD material is divided into a plurality of discreteareas each of said areas having a plurality of separately addressableindividual pixels whereby a chosen symbol is displayed in each of thoseareas by choosing the color and translucence of each pixel in said area.5. A display device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the strip has partsexternal to said discrete areas, and said parts are pre-colored.
 6. Adisplay device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the strip has partsexternal to said discrete areas, and said parts have relatively fewpixels each of a relatively large size whereby the color andtranslucence of said parts of the strip can be uniformly colored soreducing the addressing requirements of the strip of LCD material.
 7. Adisplay device as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the reel peripherydefines a cylindrical surface, wherein the ends of the strip arearranged for clamping to the reel, such that the strip is curved aroundthe cylindrical surface of the reel.
 8. A display device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said communication means includes a rotary connectoradapted to allow the transfer of power and drive signals to the reel,said rotary connector having one connector part mounted on said frameand a second connector part disposed generally centrally on the reel. 9.A display device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the connector has atleast two separate conductors for carrying an electrical signalcomprising a multiplexed drive signal superimposed on a DC power signal.10. A display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communicationmeans comprises a transmitter provided within the gaming machine, areceiver mounted on the reel with which the display device isassociated, and one of a radio link and an infra-red link between thetransmitter and the receiver.
 11. A display device as claimed in claim 1in combination with a reel mechanism including a reel having a hub whichsupports a peripheral structure, the display device being secured to theperipheral structure for rotation with the reel.
 12. A display device asclaimed in claim 11 and including a rechargeable power sourceincorporated within the hub of a reel, in a balanced manner.
 13. Adisplay device as claimed in claim 12, wherein an induction charger isprovided for supplying current to the rechargeable power source, theinduction charger including an electrical coil provided on the reel anda static magnetic field cut by the coil on rotation of the reel.
 14. Adisplay device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the reel includes acontrol circuit arranged to control the supply of power and drivesignals to the flexible strip of display material.
 15. A display deviceas claimed in claim 14, wherein the control circuit includes a memorydevice into which at least one strip configuration is programmed wherebyin use the strip displays chosen symbols at the required relativedispositions.
 16. A method of displaying pre-selected symbols at chosenlocations on a reel of a gaming machine, which method comprises:comprising furnishing a flexible strip of electronically programmabledisplay material around the periphery of the reel, providing a controlcircuit on the reel for supplying drive signals to the flexible strip,providing a power source on the reel for powering the control circuitand flexible strip, and programming into the control circuit a controlprogram which drives the flexible strip to display the selected symbolsat the chosen locations.
 17. A method as claimed in claim 16, whereinthe programming is performed by a wireless link arranged to load intothe control circuit said control program.